Leinster - Leonora

An assessment of population growth drivers in Leinster - Leonora reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Leinster-Leonora's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 5,237. This figure represents a growth of 433 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,804. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,226 in June 2025 and the addition of 10 new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Leinster-Leonora's growth rate since the 2021 Census was higher than both its SA3 area (7.5%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.5% to recent population gains in the area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort from the ABS' latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on these projections, Leinster-Leonora is expected to have an above median population growth, increasing by 903 persons to reach a total of 6,140 by 2041. This reflects a 17.0% increase over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Leinster - Leonora according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Leinster - Leonora has averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling 37 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. On average, six new residents are associated with every home built during this period. This results in a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $523,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial approvals valued at $19.7 million have been registered, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to the Rest of WA, Leinster - Leonora has 13.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 25th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New building activity comprises 62.0% standalone homes and 38.0% attached dwellings, reflecting an increasing blend of housing types catering to various price ranges, from spacious family homes to more compact options. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse and affordable housing choices.

The area's estimated population per dwelling approval is 636 people, suggesting a quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections estimate Leinster - Leonora will add 892 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Leinster - Leonora has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Catalina Resources' Laverton Project, Genesis Minerals' Laverton Gold Project, Menzies and Laverton Gold Projects, and the Laverton Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Leinster - Leonora face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Leinster-Leonora has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, unemployment stands at 13.6%, and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2%. As of December 2025, 2,382 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 10.1% higher than Regional WA's rate of 3.5%.

Workforce participation in Leinster-Leonora is lower at 60.1%, compared to Regional WA's 66.0%. Census data shows only 2.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. Mining has particularly high concentration with employment levels at 3.8 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 2.3% of Leinster-Leonora's workforce compared to Regional WA's 9.3%. There are 1.6 workers per resident, indicating the area serves as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby regions. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force grew by 2.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional WA saw employment grow by 1.0%, labour force increase by 1.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Leinster-Leonora's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.0% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The Leinster - Leonora SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $64,702. The average income stood at $70,452 during the same period. For Regional WA, the median income was $59,973 and the average was $74,392. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Leinster - Leonora SA2 would be approximately $71,774 (median) and $78,152 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 67th percentile ($900 weekly), while household income sits at the 29th percentile. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.6% of residents (1,654 people). Housing costs are manageable with 95.4% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 41st percentile.

Leinster - Leonora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Leinster-Leonora's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.0% houses and 13.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional WA's 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Leinster-Leonora stood at 14.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 6.0% and rented ones at 79.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $634, significantly lower than Regional WA's average of $1,560. Median weekly rent in Leinster-Leonora was $70, substantially below Regional WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Leinster-Leonora's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Leinster - Leonora features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 68.0% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Regional WA average of 2.5.

Leinster - Leonora faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has a lower university qualification rate of 14.2%, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 33.2%. Educational participation is high, with 39.1% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 19.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Leinster - Leonora is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Leinster - Leonora faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% of the total population (~2,833 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.4% in Regional WA. Diabetes and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.3% of residents respectively. A total of 77.4% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% across Regional WA. The under-65 population in Leinster - Leonora has better than average health outcomes. The area has 8.2% of residents aged 65 and over (432 people), which is lower than the 19.2% in Regional WA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Leinster - Leonora was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Leinster-Leonora has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 17.5% of its population born overseas and 45.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 41.4% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category makes up 5.5% of Leinster-Leonora's population, compared to 0.7% across Regional WA.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal is the most represented group at 38.1%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 6.1%. English ancestry comprises 19.2%, lower than the regional average of 31.3%, and Australian ancestry makes up 15.8%, also lower than the regional average of 28.4%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Maori at 2.0% (vs 1.0% regionally), New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.9%), and Samoan at 0.4% (vs 0.1%).

Leinster - Leonora's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Leinster-Leonora is 35 years, which is lower than Regional WA's average of 40 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional WA, Leinster-Leonora has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (23.9%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (1.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 21.0% to 23.9%, while the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has risen from 4.8% to 6.8%. Conversely, the proportions of residents aged 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 have decreased, from 13.6% to 11.1% and from 10.2% to 8.4%, respectively. By 2041, Leinster-Leonora is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the number of residents aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 23%, reaching 1,547 from 1,252 currently. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to decrease in size.